September 25, (THEWILL) – Suspected gunmen have stormed the Zaki-Biam residence of Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Matthew Abo, where they abducted him at 8:00 pm, on Sunday, even as Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the act.
Report said the former chairman of Ukum local Government council, Mr Iorwashima Erukaa, was also abducted at another operation in the area.
It was gathered that the said kidnappers arrived the residence on four motorcycles and ordered everyone in the house including the commissioner’s wife and children to lie face-down before whisking him to an unknown destination on one of the motorcycles.
The abduction exercise, which was said to have taken place on Sunday night, according to an eyewitness has been reported to the police at Zaki-Biam in Ukum local Government area of the state.
The Commissioner hails from Ukum local government area which has been a major flashpoint of criminal activities with rampant killings and kidnappings in recent times.
Governor Hyacinth Alia appointed Mr Abo as Commissioner and was sworn in on 29th August, 2023.
Reacting to the development, governor Hyacinth Alia described the two incidents as barbaric and unfortunate.
He noted that while Mr Abo was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in his Sankara home at about 8pm on Sunday, Mr Erukaa was also taken away by yet to be identified gunmen on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, on Monday, the governor confirmed that the said kidnappers have made contacts with the family of Erukaa, but yet to make contacts with Abo’s family.
According to the statement, the Governor, who described the act as barbaric, condemnable and unacceptable, has already detailed security agencies to immediately commence operations to ensure the safe release of the duo.
The statement quotes the governor as calling on the people of the state to remain calm, as his administration is doing everything to make the state safe for all to live.
Efforts to get the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State command, SP Sewuese Anene to confirmed the incident failed as her telephone number could not go through.
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